What Affects Cholesteral Levels

Diet, particularly a diet high in saturated fat, is just one of the many factors that affect cholesterol levels. Additionally, the rate the body naturally makes the good cholesterol, HDL and disposes the bad cholesterol, LDL, also affects the cholesterol levels. There are various other factors that may influence the different levels of cholesterols in the body and its ability to rid itself of them.

Hereditary

• Familial Hypercholesterolamia is a genetic disorder in which a person's body is incapable of removing LDL as quickly as it produces; therefore having a consistently high level of LDL.

Weight

• Being over-weight increases LDL, triglycerides (a type of fat in the bloodstream) and lowers HDL. Adding daily physical activity will adjust the levels, as well as, maintain a healthy weight.

Age and Sex

• Menopausal women tend to have their LDL increased as their HDL decreases.

Alcohol

• A glass of wine has been known to increase HDL; however, an excessive amount of alcohol not only damages the liver, increases blood pressure but also increases the triglyceride levels.

Stress

• Unhealthy lifestyle habits due to long-term stress raises LDL cholesterol levels. The amount of consistent stress may lead a person to eat unhealthy foods, become inactive and begin drinking/smoking.